Morning Blitz

A special Memorial Day Weekend edition...

- SI photo gallery of Ozzie Guillen's greatest rants. I particularly like numbers 4 & 8
- Zach Randolph looking a little better for Z-Bo and the Griz
- Chris Bosh to join Lebron, D-Wade, and Joe Johnson at the free agent summit
- Joe West: MLB umpire or country music star? You decide.
- Team Argentina plans on enjoying World Cup 2010
- Memphis Coach Josh Pastner now a father
- AAA offering a DD and towing service for Memorial Day weekend
- Every Ron Artest interview is a great interview. Here's last nights

Special Report - Team USA World Cup Prep

I needed a little perspective after the US laid an egg against the Czech Republic and announced it's World Cup roster. So I emailed my close friend and From the Sidelines Soccer Analyst, AC!!

Debo emailed:

AC,

I need you to learn me some more soccer! Team USA (albeit with a second teir roster) just suffered an ugly loss to a bunch of Middle European chumps. I've got a few questions before I hit the panic button...

AC replied:

1. I know we rested several starters and Bob Bradley wanted to get a look at players on the roster bubble, but isn't this still an indictment of American soccer? How good is the Czech Republic?

It was disappointing to see our team lose Tuesday night, but it cannot be regarded as a blow to our American soccer image. Bob Bradley made it very clear by his team selection that this was an experimental friendly match. Even the great Fabio Capello did some extensive tinkering with the England national side for the Mexico game played earlier this week. Granted England won 3-1, however it does go to show that managers are using every last opportunity to test and prod any player that may be on the bubble.

With the focus on the fringe players, some of the team USA’s most prominent players (Landon Donovan, Tim Howard, Clint Dempsey, Michael Bradley, Carlos Bocanegra, Jay DeMerit, Jozy Altidore and Benny Feilhaber) did not even dress out for the game. Instead, Bradley used the game to help determine which seven players would not make the 23-man roster.
The game in and of itself self was hard to judge. Normally we look for a really strong team effort, but this match was truly about the individuals striving to make an impression. Needless to say it didn’t help that it appeared almost as if two completely different US teams played that game. The first half was played with the starting eleven players and by the beginning of the second half the US team had a different look with six substitutions made. Overall the team produced a subpar performance. There were a few bright spots, such as a second-half goal by Herculez Gomez. He was among the players on the bubble and his ability to score no doubt helped his cause. Another borderline player, forward Edson Buddle, assisted on Maurice Edu's goal, which gave the United States a 1-0 lead in the 17th minute.

Now, why was the Czech Republic a smart opponent to play leading up to the World Cup? Firstly, they are good. At one point they were ranked 2^nd in the world by FIFA during the late 1990’s and early 2000’s. Their form has not been stellar as of late, but as the score line showed they can put up a fight. Secondly, scheduling a match versus the Czechs was very wise because they have a similar playing style to their Middle European neighbors, Slovenia. Team USA will face Slovenia in Group C of the World Cup. The Czech Republic shockingly failed to qualify for South Africa 2010 by placing third in their qualification group. Slovenia edged them out to capture second place. Thirdly, the players should have relished the chance to test one of the world’s best goalkeepers, Petr Cech. Unfortunately we rarely created shooting chances and our two goals came from set pieces with defensive mistakes.

2. I heard the announcers tout several US players performance in MLS, Mexican leagues, etc. Isn't that a lot like you dominating Brentwood's 10 year-old league? Sure the stats look great, but those players aren't really prepared for the World Cup level of competition we'll see next month, right?

There was a stat given out during the game that said that of the 30 players considered for the final US squad 19 played for clubs in Europe, 2 for Mexican clubs, and 9 based in the MLS. A player’s club background is usually a good indicator of how a player will perform on the international level. Those Americans who consistently start for their European clubs have had the best prep for the World Cup stage. Many of these players have rubbed shoulders with world superstars and understand the pressures of high stakes football. That is not to say that the MLS players are not ready. However, these US based players will not truly grasp the monumental atmosphere of the world’s largest event until they step onto the pitch for the first game. But for now, let’s say that ignorance is bliss. Select players will come into this tournament with high confidence after a successful start to the MLS season. Like in many sports, when a player is in form and in a goal scoring hot streak let the momentum push your team to higher heights.

3. Team USA has a few more warm-ups before facing the Red Coats on June 12th. What would be considered a success in terms of preparation for the big day?

There are only two more international friendlies for the US national team before the World Cup begins. We will face off against Turkey and Australia. Two wins would be nice, but what we need is to use these games to build cohesion and momentum. Bob Bradley will use these last matches to find the winning formula for personnel combinations and team formation. The job for the players will be to forge connections and partnerships with their teammates. Hopefully these friendlies will help the strikers find the needed chemistry to be able to read each other’s movements and runs. The backline must find ways to deal with the injuries to Gooch, DeMerit, and Bocanegra. The team’s health depends on their health. Most importantly the midfield must understand each individual’s role in transition between attack and defense and vice versa. This is especially vital in the wide areas. Turkey and Australia may not be prime examples, but many of the top countries deploy fullbacks to maraud up and down the sidelines. Maicon from Brazil, Philip Lahm from Germany, and Glen Johnson from England come to mind. Outside midfielders will have to retreat back to cover these uniquely talented defenders.

The ultimate goal for the US is to meet or exceed our best performance in recent history by finishing in the Quarterfinals. In 1930 the Americans finished third, but that is not a realistic goal now. To start the team’s focus should be on getting out of the Group Stage. Fortune has smiled upon the US to give us a favorable draw. If we play to our potential second place in Group C is very achievable. Ideally winning your group puts your country in a better position to advance further in the tournament, but for us that would mean that team US must beat England. And what do you know? England is the first opponent we face on June 12^th.

If our preparation has been sound, then taking on England will become a less daunting task. The US can find success by dominating possession, passing with intelligence, and making every shot count. A win over England would be glorious, a draw would be a job well done, and a loss would be only a minor setback.

The roster:

Goalkeepers: Brad Guzan (Aston Villa, England), Marcus Hahnemann (Wolverhampton, England), Tim Howard (Everton, England).

Defenders: Carlos Bocanegra (Rennes, France), Jonathan Bornstein (Chivas USA), Steve Cherundolo (Hannover, Germany), Jay DeMerit (Watford, England), Clarence Goodson (IK Start, Norway), Oguchi Onyewu (AC Milan, Italy), Jonathan Spector (West Ham, England).

Midfielders: DaMarcus Beasley (Glasgow Rangers, Scotland), Michael Bradley (Borussia Moenchengladbach, Germany), Ricardo Clark (Eintracht Frankfurt, Germany), Clint Dempsey (Fulham, England), Landon Donovan (Los Angeles), Maurice Edu (Glasgow Rangers, Scotland), Benny Feilhaber (AGF Aarhus, Denmark), Stuart Holden (Bolton, England), Jose Torres (Pachuca, Mexico).

Forwards: Jozy Altidore (Hull, England), Edson Buddle (Los Angeles), Robbie Findley (Salt Lake), Herculez Gomez (Puebla, Mexico).

The Morning Blitz is Back!

We're shaking the cobwebs off here at From the Sidelines. Why not start with a few links to get you through a hump day...

- Mark Cuban getting sued because the Mavs are "insolvent".
- As Ken Griggey Jr wakes from his afternoon slumber, rumors of exit begin swirling
- NBA Board of Governors approve Ivan Drago as Nets' owner
- Lebron autobiographer predicts the King's move to New York
- Twitter has a new enforcer: Charles Oakley
- Dan Wolken comments on the Tigers' early preseason ranking
- Ken Griffey isn't the only former MLB star to fall asleep at the helm

Just for the hell of it...

NFL Draft Special

As the international community celebrates draft week in NFL circles, it’s time we throw our two cents in! And since we are obviously future front office material destined to lead a franchise to the promised land, why not use our expertise on our favorite franchises to love and hate. Alex and I will give our take on what our favorite NFL team SHOULD do. I’ll take the beloved Green Bay Packers, and Alex will handle the lowly Dallas Cowboys. (Alex's note: Alex might have had too much work to do to finish his Cowboys preview.) I’m gonna cover the Pack’s needs, who they should take if available, and my best trade up/down scenario. Here we go…

Green Bay Packers

Draft Choices [Pick-in-Round(Overall Pick)]:

1^st: #23(23); 2^nd: #24(56); 3^rd: #22(86); 4^th: #24(122); 5^th: # 23(154), #38(169); 6^th: #24(193); 7^th: #23(230)

Needs: OLB, CB, OT, S, RB

The Packers have signed the most important free agents for 2010 – namely, their veteran offensive linemen and defensive backs. However, both of those position groups are aging and aging quickly. A CB and OT of the future is a must for this year’s draft. The good news is that OT can probably be a project for a year or two before Chad Clifton rides off into the sunset. A pass-rushing OLB to compliment Clay Matthews from day one should be priority number in the first round.

Draft Picks:

I’ll only focus on the first three rounds, since there’s really no telling what could happen after that.

Round 1: Pick #23 – Sergio Kindle – OLB – University of Texas

The fact that Kindle has steadily slid down draft boards into the early 20’s is nothing but a blessing to teams like the Packers, Patriots, and Eagles. If the Patriots trade down (as I suspect) or fill another need, Kindle should be the no-doubt, sure-fire, don’t-even-think twice move. He has all the tools to rush from anywhere in the Pack’s newly minted 3-4 scheme. He can even handle the coverage necessary of Dom Capers’ OLB. Also, pairing Kindle and Matthews for a decade should be a dream come true for any coordinator. If Kindle isn’t available, Ted Thompson should select…

Kyle Wilson – CB – Boise State

Wilson is the perfect fit for several Packer needs. He can be the physical corner needed on the field from the start, or he can play in nickel and dime situations covering slot receivers, and he will certainly add a much needed punch to the Packers return game. If Kindle is off the board, the Packers can get just as much of an impact rookie with Wilson.

Round 2: Pick #24 – Ben Tate – RB University of Auburn

Ryan Grant has the speed and vision to compliment Aaron Rodgers passing skill, but Tate can a goal line bruiser and late game finisher that Packers’ offense have lacked for quite some time now. He’s a no-nonsense, between the tackles back… just what the doctor ordered.

Round 3: Pick #22 – Myron Lewis – CB – Vanderbilt University

Assuming the Packers land Sergio Kindle in round one, Lewis can easily man a nickel and returner spot while being groomed to replace Charles Woodson in the years to come. A tall, athletic corner, Lewis has displaced exceptional durability by starting in 25 consecutive games in the rugged SEC. He’s also an Academic All-American with exceptional leadership qualities. If things break right, he could be the leader and talent to solidify an aging defensive backfield.

Trade Scenario: Trade Down!

It’s tough to fill so many needs with only one pick per round. If Sergio Kindle isn’t available at #23, the Pack should trade their first round pick and scoop up an extra pick in rounds two and three. For example, Green Bay could move down with Tampa Bay and collect their second (#35) and third (#67) round picks. Thompson may have to throw in a fifth or sixth round pick to make the deal work, but it would be well worth it. In that scenario, the Pack could easily land a three round that looks something like this…

Second Round:

#3(35) – Roger Saffold – OT -- Indiana

#24(56) – Patrick Robinson – CB -- FSU

Third Round:

#3(67) – Ricky Sapp – OLB -- Clemson

#22(86) – Toby Gerhart – RB – Stanford

Fictional Character Fantasy Draft

In honor of the start of baseball, From the Sidelines has decided to create our very own fictional character All-Star team. The rules are simple: any real baseball player is off limits. We're assembling the team draft style via email, with Alex getting the first pick.


#1 - Henry Rowengartner - SP - Rookie of the Year (1993)

Good pitching almost always trumps good hitting, that's why I'm taking Ravenboozer with my number one overall selection. Most elite pitchers can anchor your staff for seven to ten years if they're extremely lucky. This kid is 12. That means I'm looking at 20 years of 100+ fireballs, and maybe a few floaters. He just has to promise to watch his step when walking out to the mound...

Matt:

I like it -- this is like draft Lebron when he's seven! And he's great a ticket draw for the Memphis HeartBreakers (that's right... I'm naming our franchise right now) Alright, next up...

#2 - Billy Chapel - SP - For Love of the Game (1999)

Sticking with pitching, I'll add a veteran presence for our young superstar. I did some quick and dirty research, and according to the script, Chapel (Kevin Costner) was a "sure fire Hall of Famer" and likely nearing 300 wins. And that's from Vin Scully, so it must be true. Not to mention that he slays the mighty Yankees -- something all Americans can root for! Of course, this sets up a time space continuum dilemma: can Costner play two positions on our mythical all-star team?



Alex:

Excellent catch there on the Costner conundrum. I think it's possible, since these are merely characters. Ok, next in line for HeartBreakers is:


#3 - Benny "The Jet" Rodriguez - UP - The Sandlot (1993)

I'm loving these 1993 movies it seems. However, this guy can play anywhere - literally. Finding a fictional middle infielder is fairly tough, so he'll probably end up playing there most days and fill in other places when guys need a day off. "The Jet" isn't a mere bench player though - this kid is a five tool specimen. Need to hit it right into a the new kid's glove so it looks like he caught it? Done. Wheels? He out ran the Beast - and stole home as adult even though his baller mustache was getting in the way. "There's heroes and there's legends. Heroes get remembered but legends never die."


Matt:

Strong work with the quote... I think that was inspiration for a "No Fear" t-shirt once upon a time. And adding a strong nickname and mustache is always clutch. Speaking of mustache...

#4 - Jack Elliott - 1B - Mr. Baseball (1992)

It's time to add some power, and Captain Jack is here to save the day! I can't tell you how much I love this movie... Elliott calls the manager "Chief", plays the hot foot gag, and "led this club in ninth inning doubles in the month of August!" He's a World Series MVP, but learns the meaning of team in the Japan leagues. Elliott can be a clubhouse leader, DH when we need him, and even lay down the bunt for a suicide squeeze.




Alex:

I'm glad we're finally getting some offense, I think we're building a contender.

#5 - Roy Hobbs - RF - The Natural (1984)

Another power player and consummate professional. When you have a chance to add a guy that hit four homers in one game, you have to do it. Like Gardenhoser, there are a few special precautions to take after drafting him. Namely, keeping him away from women who have the propensity to poison and/or shoot people. Interesting side note: The Blu-Ray version of The Natural was only released three days ago.

Alex:

Making an addition to the last post, I found where Simmons tried to figure out Hobbs' stats for the season in the movie. His opinion is fine with me, and looking at them, we should have taken this guy sooner. Good thing he was still on the board...

G      AB    R    H    BB   K    HR   RBI    
115   400   92   140   75   85   44   106    

AVG    OBP     SLG
.350   .447    .750

Matt:

Wow... three days ago!? Do they know it's 2010? Btw, I have Mr. Baseball in VHS and DVD... we're still waiting for the Blu-Ray.

#6 - Willie Mays Hayes - C - Major League (1989)

When his head is screwed on straight, he's a lead-off and base stealing machine. He's got more than enough range to cover the field, and Hayes will fit great in our line up -- a spark plug for The Jet, Elliott, and Hobbs (hitting two, three and four, most likely). His airbrush bedroom decor will fit great in our clubhouse as well. We will have to stock up on batting gloves, though...






Alex:

I'm guessing that Willie Mays Hayes is our center fielder, not our catcher - right? Because our catcher is this guy:

#7 - "Crash" Davis - C - Bull Durham - (1988)

We have plenty of power in the line up, so I want a guy behind the dish that can handle our pitchers and call a good game. Not that Davis is a lightweight at the plate, he's a switch hitter and can add some pop when the time is right. "Crash" has only spent 21 days in the majors during his career, so he's due for another call up. Did you know that there was a real "Crash" Davis that played ball for the Philadelphia Athletics in the 1940s? His career line ( .230 / 2 / 43 ) is underwhelming, but that's still awesome. More on him here.







Matt:

Agreed: Willie is not catcher material and I'm not proofreader material. But believe it or not, I did know about the real "Crash." And the director of Bull Durham actually played minor league ball - that's cool.

#8 - Rick "Wild Thing" Vaughn - CP - Major League (1989)

Intangibles are off the charts... Best rookie haircut of all time, founded the Pantheon of Spectacled Fictitious Athletes (the PSFA), married wrestling intro music and America's past time. Plus, he's got the electric stuff on the mound to back it up! He can routinely top 100 on the gun and invents his own pitches. And don't forget he works with under-privileged kids... as long as there's a mildly attractive girl involved.






Alex:

Who else would be in the PSFA, the Hanson Brothers? Good choice on Vaughn, he truly does make my heart sing. We're still in need of an outfielder, third base, and a middle infielder. It's time to think out of the box.

#9 - Marla Hooch - 2B - A League of Their Own (1992)

Initially a throw in so Jon Lovitz could get Kit and Dottie, Marla blossomed into a great pick up. She might look a little plain, and doesn't know much about trains, but damn, can she hit. This fills our gap in the middle and gives the lineup yet another switch hitter. This is where I'm supposed to make a joke about the absence of crying in baseball. I won't do it. I will do this: "Hooch" is a badass nickname.





Matt:

The fact that "Hooch" is a nickname for a girl multiplies its awesome-ness by a factor of ten... at least.

#10 - Max "Hammer" Dubois - LF - Mr. Baseball (1992)

I'm not going to lie to you... this was very tough for me. The same actor plays both Pedro Cerrano and the Hammer. I ended up leaning toward the Hammer for these reasons: (1) he can hit a breaking ball, (2) excellent clubhouse guy along the lines of V-Mart, (3) his consistency would give great deep line-up protection for Hooch, and (4) he's nicknamed "Hammer" for his oversized... um... bat. If it doesn't work out, we can always bring Pedro off the bench. And he has a post-baseball future as president or selling insurance... it's a win-win.

(Alex's note: I couldn't find a picture of him from Mr Baseball so this will have to do. An incorrect picture is better than no picture, right?)




Alex:

I have to agree, I love that pick. The Hammer was also on "Magnum P.I." once - furthering the connections!

#11 - Roger Dorn - 3B - Major League (1989)

Since you took the Hammer version of Dennis Haysbert, I don't feel bad about taking yet another Indian. Yes, Dorn has some motivation issues, but there's a reason he got the big contract in the first place - he's a good ball player. Not only offensively, he can flash the leather too: he made two great plays in the final game of the movie, to go along with his yard work. As a bonus, he says one of the greatest movie-to-cable censored lines ever. Instead of the "strike this motherf*****r out", he says "strike this turkey out."


Matt:

I can't imagine a clubhouse without Dorn, and any time you have a chance to strike out a turkey, you have to take it, right?

#12 - Stan Ross - DH - Mr. 3000 (2004)

So it looks like all we need is a DH, and we'll have a line up. I think Stan "The Man" fills that role well. With dominating pitching and a speedy line-up, Ross can be our "five-tool" hitter so-to-speak. Need a bloop single? Got it. A deep sac fly? No problem. Opposing pitcher tipping his hand? Covered. A gaudy sports bar? In spades. Ross is a throwback in many ways. Let's just hope he doesn't throw his back out, shuffling that 280 lb frame around the bases. (Yeah, I'll congratulate myself for that play on words!)





Alex:

Stan Ross? I'm ok with him at the end of the bench and pinch hitting, but maybe not our full time DH. We need someone with power, and a good enough glove where we can stick him in the outfield every few days.

#13 - Bobby Rayburn - DH/OF - The Fan - (1996)

Wesley Snipes gets to play in the outfield next to himself, this is great! Rayburn is another guy who's motivation could be an issue, since he has a love/hate relationship with the fans (one in particular). However, he can the best around when he wants to be. We'll promise to take good care of his children and keep keep Jack Byrnes away from the stadium at all times.


Matt:

While Rayburn is tending to Jack and the kids, Stan will be leading the team in roastburgers (that's RBI for all your newcomers)... you watch!

#14 - Lou Brown - Manager - Major League (1989)

With a clubhouse full of personalities, we'll need an grumpy, old fashioned, no-nonsense manager to keep everybody grounded. And when you consider Lou led his club to two penants in spite of a front office from hell, he may earn the title for best ficitional manager. He uses innovative managing techniques (disrobing a life-size cut out of the GM), isn't fazed by a massive heart attack, and is a nut for British soap operas. What more could you ask for?




Alex:

I like your style, and on that note, I'm going for the Costner tri-fecta:

#15 - Ray Kinsella - Groundskeeper - Field of Dreams (1989)

Who hasn't always wanted a baseball diamond in the middle of a cornfield? With limited equipment and man power - Kinsella can make a beautiful field and save us some coin in the process.




Matt:

Nice... Why not wrap things up with our very own hometown radio man?

#16 - Harry Doyle - Play-by-Play - Major League (1989)

It may be an obvious choice, but it's obvious for a reason. Uecker set the standard that all other movie announcers must live up to... and ultimately fail. He boasts a resume full of one-liners, but I'll leave you with just a few...

Just a reminder, fans, comin' up is our "Die-hard Night" here at the stadium. Free admission to anyone who was actually alive the last time the Indians won a pennant.

Heywood leads the league in most offensive categories, including nose hair. When this guy sneezes, he looks like a party favor.

Juuuuuust a bit outside.

Well, the team is set! Enjoy baseball season!

We're Back!

Nothing gets the creative juices flowing like Opening Day for baseball. Here's a quick post to say that we've got something coming later today or tomorrow, stay tuned!